Football Q&A: Ed Aarons fields fans’ questions as the Premier League resumes

The Premier League returns on Saturday following a lengthy international break that was largely defined by the Manchester City verdict. The Guardian has been hosting a live Q&A with senior football writer Ed Aarons, inviting supporters to pose their questions about the upcoming matches.

One of the first questions, submitted by user AutumnMoon, touched on the “hostility, bitterness and claims” that could surround the week’s marquee fixture. The query also asked whether Aarons was looking forward to Crystal Palace versus Nottingham Forest. Aarons replied affirmatively, noting Oliver Glasner’s surprising move to Forest after his spell at Palace. He recalled Glasner’s achievements – the FA Cup, the Community Shield and a run to the Europa Conference League final – and explained that his departure was expected given disagreements with the Palace board over ambition. Aarons expects a mixed reception at Forest, with some fans paying tribute to what many consider Palace’s most successful manager, while others may vent frustration over Forest’s role in Palace’s recent European exit.

Aarons also addressed the Liverpool‑Manchester City meeting at Anfield, describing it as a “quirk of the fixture list” that many fans love. He suggested Liverpool supporters will have something special planned for Sunday afternoon, and warned that City fans may once again find themselves the target of jokes after years of dominance.

Readers can watch the match highlights and follow further analysis on this site as the new Premier League week unfolds.